Ski resort of Gulmarg on Sunday hosted first ever Snow Shoe championship that was organized by Snow Shoe Federation of India (SSFI) in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir and TSL Outdoors, France.It was first time that Snow Shoe championship was held in any part of the Country the organizers, SSFI want to introduce this in other parts of the Country in coming time.Snow Shoe sport which is highly popular in Europe and American Countries while as it being introduced in India. On Sunday, ski resort of Gulmarg become first winter Sport destination of India to host this kind of activity.
The event was flagged off by Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah alongwith SSFI President Mir Mudassar, WGFI President Col. Dhillon, Assistant Director Tourism Dr. Ilyas, Olympian Gul Mustafa, SSFI treasurer Mir Nazir, SSFI Tariq Zargar.Ifshan of Narbal finished first while as Umer Hamid of Budgam finished second. Umer Farooq of Srinagar finished third while as Yaqoob finished fourth. Nisar finished fifth.Later prize distribution ceremony was held in which Chief Guest Mahmood Ahmad Shah distributed prizes among the winners.
“Today Gulmarg has become first place in entire Country host any kind Snow Shoe championship. It is small step towards a brighter future as this sport and activity has got immense potential,” he said.“Apart from competitive angle I believe Snow Shoe activity can be promoted as a tourism promotional activity. In winter we have got place where snow is everywhere. However, like we see in Gulmarg everyone can’t do skiing but they can do this activity. We will procure snowshoe equipments for our ski shop in Gulmarg this Season and will also try to introduce them in Pahalgam and other winter destinations of State,” he said.“It was the event through which we introduced Snow Shoe activity in Country.
We chose Gulmarg to be the first place as the amount of snow for the activity was still feasible,” said SSFI President, Mir Mudassar.“It is humble beginning but we are aiming high. Today we used only eight pairs of equipment provided to us by TSL Outdoors France. We conducted successful event with limited resources and the success has only encouraged us to aim higher. We will procure more equipment and will introduce this activity in other parts of Country apart from Pahalgam and Sonamarg,” he said.“Apart from World Snow Shoe event USA, we will be fielding our teams in various other races in Europe as well,” he added. (KNS)